In this inaugural article for the NTS Newsletter, I was asked to present my thoughts on various topics affecting the security industry.

Each month, I will discuss topics that we all know and have to remember, like false alarms, as well as some things that we don't pay as much attention to because they aren't currently hot issues, such as IQ (Installation Quality).

This month, I'll cover both items and how they are related.

The IQ symbol on a letterhead, business card or work uniform is a sign to consumers, public officials and others in the industry that your company has put in extra effort to conform to standards.

These standards, and the entire IQ initiative, was developed in part to respond to the false alarm problems of the 1990s.

The basic premise was that, if alarm companies voluntarily participated in a program to enhance their performance based on known shortcomings, we could have a positive impact on the false alarm problems that have caused many cities and states to legislate no response or verified response ordinances and statutes.

In order to earn IQ Certification, alarm companies must undergo a rigorous evaluation by the IQ Certification Board, made up of security, law enforcement, fire, state regulatory and insurance industry representatives. Throughout the application process, companies must demonstrate that they adhere to the IQ Certification Program's strict Policies and Guidelines.

To ensure that these companies continue to meet the IQ Certification standards, they must annually demonstrate to the Board that they meet the IQ Certification guidelines to earn re-certification.

Dale Eller, the chairman of IQ, is no stranger to quality.

As the former director of NTS and a senior instructor, Dale knows the value of training and standards. IQ does just that.

When a company decides to become IQ certified, they must submit copies of their regular business documents, such as contracts, installation checklists, and evidence of training and compliance with IQ standards for alarm companies.